Arch Street Presbyterian Church — Attraction in Philadelphia

I joined Arch Street Presbyterian Church (ASPC) about a year ago, after attending it for a couple of years.

ASPC is a revitalized new church in an classic old building. Built in 1855, Arch Street Pres was the "establishment" downtown Presbyterian church through the 19th and much of the 20th century. The architecture is neo-classic Greek revival style -- quite a contrast to the spanking new Comcast Center next door. The interior is absolutely stunning, with ornate columns, a beautiful domed ceiling, and huge organ pipes.

The church went into decline in the postwar years, with the active congregation dwindling to about a dozen. About 5 years ago, the denomination decided that it had to either close the church, and sell this valuable property, or give it one last shot. They recruited Rev. Bill Golderer -- who is also the pastor of Broad Street Ministry (a progressive homeless outreach ministry across from the Kimmel Center) -- to lead this revitalization effort. Together with Rev. Becky White Newgren, Minister for Community Life, and Donald Dumpson, Minister of Music, Bill has resurrected this formerly stodgy, conservative, moribund institution into a hopeful, spirit-filled, diverse, progressive church, which is now about 100 members and growing.

ASPC's worship service has been called "Presby-Baptist" - with a basic Presbyterian structure, but with the soul and spirituality more reminiscent of Baptist congregations. Before coming to ASPC, Donald Dumpson was a music minister at Bright Hope Baptist Church, a large predominately African American church in Philadelphia. Bill, Becky, and Donald create a worship experience that is a unique combination of intelligent and engaging preaching in the Protestant Reform tradition, and an inspirational blend of traditional, classic, and gospel music.

ASPC is a rare and hopeful exception to Martin Luther King's observation that "11 o'clock on Sunday is the most segregated hour of American life." The congregation is racially diverse, LGBT-friendly, with a healthy age span from toddlers to seniors, and draws members from various (and no) religious backgrounds.

As a new church in an old building, ASPC remains true to a Christ-Centered theology and mission, but is still evolving in its identity and role as an urban church. Its staff and members are respectful of tradition, but are not beholden to encrusted bureaucratic traditions or a "we've always done it this way" philosophy that has led to the decline of so many churches.

The church is welcoming without being suffocating. It is very visitor-friendly. You can leave immediately after worship, or stay for coffee and chat. In fact, many people have attended for years, and participate in various activities and programs, without ever joining. You are encouraged to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable, and visit as often...

I came to my first service at Arch Street on a whim. I was looking for a church home and I had seen the building, but frankly, I wasn't sure whether it was an active church or a historical landmark. So one Sunday, I decided to go in. What I discovered was a hidden gem. The congregation is welcoming, the preaching was engaging and thought-provoking, and the music, which ranges from traditional hymns to contemporary Gospel, was transcendent. I would learn that this small congregation is a praying, caring community deeply committed to fulfilling the biblical command to "act justly and love mercy." Before long, I became a member, and now I am an Elder. My church family has supported me in times of grief and joy, and afforded me the opportunity to support others in their Christian walk. The women's ministry has been a source of fun and fellowship. We support ministries to homeless folks, and we have a deep commitment to education. And our choir, under the direction of Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, is simply anointed. God has truly blessed me by bringing me to Arch Street. I'm glad it won't stay a hidden gem...

My husband and I moved to Philadelphia about a year ago for work, not knowing anyone or anything about the city... I wasn't sure where to start in terms of building community and friendships and trying to make Philly feel like home. We were so fortunate to have stumbled upon Arch Street early on in our stay in Philadelphia, and it's been a central part of our life in the city ever since.

I look forward every week to the services -- a time to reflect on the week gone by and prepare for the week ahead, be transformed by phenomenal music (a lively blend of gospel, hymns, and amazing singing), be challenged by relevant sermons, be uplifted and encouraged by a caring community, and give thanks and gratitude. It's a small but growing community -- big enough to feel like you are part of something, but still small enough that you don't feel lost. And it's a wonderfully diverse community too -- bringing together people from all over Philadelphia - that are united by a common commitment to live out their faith in the city. This is "big tent" Christianity...